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Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Topic started by: KarwickWingmaker on January 14, 2022, 02:02:35 PM
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Part 1: The Battle of Sarrím Field
Kingdom of Esiron - 1452
Prologue
Captain Eliza Tullio looked across the field at the undead host approaching her meagre defences. General Delmorté had ordered her to defend the town of Sarrím at all costs, and she was not going to let him down on her first assignment since her promotion. Adorned with her new set of armour and mounted upon the horse that the general had personally gifted her, she looked every part the warrior that she ought to, though beneath the stern-faced and steel-coated exterior lay the stomach-churning anxiety that all commanders felt when facing the undead.
(https://i.ibb.co/qjWShY2/E02552-D7-FD58-4344-BF6-B-952-E62437-BC4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xLfkwqr)
Next to her, sat upon his own horse, was a priest of Matéa, the goddess of Fate. His name was Alberto, and he had accompanied Eliza’s forces ever since her promotion which, until now, had not involved much combat.
(https://i.ibb.co/F3ggPzD/715-A546-C-07-C6-4-DCF-AE1-C-B1-D451027122.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PjwwSg6)
Alberto had already seen his fair share of war in his lifetime and had the scars to prove it, one great wound across his face telling the tale of his last encounter with a vampire. Ever since that day, he had always made himself available to raise the morale of the soldiers about to face the undead, no matter what plans he had to cancel, or the distance he had to travel. As long as his horse could get him to the field of battle, Alberto could be relied upon. He looked at Eliza, then across at their foe, knowing that whatever he said to her, she would be facing this particular challenge alone.
“There’s lots of ‘em,” he spat on the floor as he held his staff of Matéa for all of Eliza’s soldiers to see, “lots more than there are of us anyway.”
“Nervous?” Eliza smirked, doing her best to hide her terror at realising how outnumbered her small force would be.
“I’d be a fool not to be,” Alberto pointed at the hideous scar that divided his face, “though this didn’t happen with trained men at my side.”
“Or women.” This time she genuinely smiled, knowing that the idea of women leading men into battle grated with the priest’s rather conservative ideals.
“Aye,” he conceded, “at least a particular type of woman.” Eliza feigned outrage, but then they both chuckled, though in truth neither felt particularly jovial. As they both saw it, they wouldn’t leave Sarrím to face the undead alone while they still drew breath, and that would almost definitely mean never leaving the town again. Eliza was about to grant Alberto leave to raise the morale of her soldiers when a messenger approached them, bowing his head to Alberto before saluting to his Captain.
(https://i.ibb.co/rptzc6Y/7690-BAF8-5794-41-DD-A100-90617-F903644.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fNSynpf)
“News?” Eliza enquired of the man.
“Reinforcements!” the words burst out excitedly between great gulps of air, he had obviously sprinted quite some distance to deliver the message. Looking him up and down, Eliza recognised him as an artilleryman, one of her own.
“Excellent news!” She exclaimed, turning to Alberto who was smiling to himself, obviously relieved, “who has come to our aid, and how many have they brought?”
“Captain del Petrillo,” he pointed to the south of the town, his breath coming back to him now, “I couldn’t count them all, captain, but he’s brought pikemen and knights, though I didn’t see what else,” he looked slightly crestfallen, “I ran straight here once I saw his flag.”
“You’ve done well,” Eliza smiled down at the man, making him blush as he looked down, sheepishly, “now back to your post, we’ll need all the firepower we can muster.”
The man bowed once more to Alberto before saluting to Eliza, then ran off toward the lines of soldiers on the outskirts of the town.
(https://i.ibb.co/qgFqHrT/DBB426-FA-D73-B-4-CFB-A3-FB-C84-A9-FFFD64-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4SgvbVh)
Eliza turned to Alberto, raised an eyebrow, then began to make her way in the direction of their reinforcements.
(https://i.ibb.co/SvNnj5T/5-B8-C707-E-DE5-F-46-E4-B6-CC-A0107-DBA7-A5-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5cT80GD)
The time to exchange pleasantries was short, yet Eliza made sure to thank captain Samuel del Petrillo for his aid, making it clear that his arrival was not a moment too soon. After a brief conversation, del Perillo sent his pikemen to join Eliza’s ranks, and the majority of his knights joined him on the flank of the small force defending Sarrím, while leaving some to act as Eliza’s bodyguard, adding to the list of reasons for her to thank him.
* * *
(https://i.ibb.co/Fzjqysb/B92-D772-B-C2-B6-4149-85-E4-E14-F01215-A1-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cQ7XZbc)
Dragos von Sangué walked calmly to the front of his undead host, grinning as he saw del Perillo’s paltry warband adding to the small number of soon-to-be corpses that would be raised to join his grand crusade of undeath. The town of Sarrím was just the first of many settlements that had to be captured, but Dragos felt little worry. The living would be forced to hurry to their defences, yet the dead had time on their side. He could see the commanders riding around on their warhorses. ’They look so small’ he thought to himself as grin turned to a bitter chuckle. He turning to Sergei Yonesku, a fledgling necromancer under his command, and waved his hand at him carelessly, as though casting him off. Sergei, knowing to take this as an order, nodded to his master, knelt upon the ground, and made a series of symbols in the air with his hands as he muttered dark prayers. The sky grew darker and the air filled with a necromantic mist as the undead began their march.
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Great, atmospheric start to the tale, and nicely painted figures. Do you have a blog we can take a look at for more in-depth details?
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Great, atmospheric start to the tale, and nicely painted figures. Do you have a blog we can take a look at for more in-depth details?
Thanks so much!
No blog but I could always make one ;)
Battle report coming tonight or tomorrow!!
Cheers
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My thoughts echo those of Little Odo. Great start, keen to see more.
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Nice intro, looking forward to the rest!
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Like the fellows above, I enjoy your intro. Looks like your campaign is off to a great start and I am eager to see what's next.
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The Battle
From the defenders’ viewpoint the ranks of undead had barely moved for what felt like an eternity, yet when the skeletons before them suddenly started marching toward their lines without any horn sounding or drum being beaten, almost all of the soldiers defending the town felt their chests suddenly tighten, as though this entire army of skeletons had appeared before them in that very moment.
(https://i.ibb.co/HNMpZPL/605-D10-B9-B301-4-C33-A9-D4-50-D37-A04-B072.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9wf3P4m)
Alberto held the centre of the Esironian line along with a large body of halberdiers, his prayers and fighting prowess would be much needed to keep the men under his command from fleeing as soon as their terrifying foe crashed into their lines. He kept his staff of Matéa high for all to see. Fate was with them that day. At the very least, he prayed for it to be.
(https://i.ibb.co/JdwVvyt/6163-C3-EA-CF2-A-4-A4-B-8881-DDB30-D64-EE33.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b3MTs2m)
“On my orders!” Eliza called to to the handgunners she had deployed in front of her knights as they prepared their guns. She was wary of this new technology, but had already seen their worth in other battles, even with the odd malfunction and uselessness when it rained. She looked up at the sky, praying silently for it to remain as dry as it was.
(https://i.ibb.co/Rh3WB4V/71-D292-A4-1-C05-4688-848-D-8-F23-A9-DA2-AC2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cb6dCX7)
(https://i.ibb.co/1zH2PNx/2-EAE8-FBF-86-BE-416-E-AB2-F-4-F88988607-DF.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SfqvMgp)
Dragos’s vampiric knights held the left flank of the undead forces. Laughing and jeering at their prey, they waited patiently for their Lord’s signal to strike.
(https://i.ibb.co/fX7HkyB/3-FCF650-F-B649-4-FAD-8-F35-ED5087321290.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RgWc3sZ)
The undead line marched upon Sarrím, Dragos commanding from the centre of his lines, ordering his horrific Bat Horrors to stay behind the line, saving their hides from the numerous ranged units the defending humans had mustered. The bloodlust was driving them mad, and Dragos knew it, yet still he ordered them to keep their position.
(https://i.ibb.co/6rJ1qVv/B109-D9-C0-D6-B1-4-FA6-9-C32-1-ECFF1-A3347-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gmFPcHv)
Dragos commanded his units on, pushing through the treeline before him when suddenly …
(https://i.ibb.co/h1GjdLQ/73347511-6912-49-E3-B43-D-449-B3-F6-DC09-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/R4Xm6Yr)
… A great crack echoed in the cold air. A cannonball bursting through Dragos’s personal Skeleton Guard, felling three before any of the vampire’s magic could save them. Glaring at his foe, Dragos growled, knowing that the cannon was too far away to pounce upon and have his vengeance upon the crew. Instead, he ordered his forces to push on further toward the town.
(https://i.ibb.co/Bt42Qsk/C4-B12098-0-F18-4290-9-B3-F-7-A22-AE8-F5-B9-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1LsGP2c)
The archers holding together the feeble defence of the far left flank of Eliza’s forces flexed their bows, readying themselves to loose a hail of arrows into the vast unit of skeletons marching toward them. what can arrows do to such a foe? One among them wondered to himself, before shaking his head as though that would rid him of this troublesome thought. They had to hold the line, that was the extent of their orders, and that was what had to be done.
(https://i.ibb.co/SVmFp7h/662-FEB74-9028-4420-A396-1-CBD5532-F1-A7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wpQ51r9)
(https://i.ibb.co/QXGj5PP/914-C678-D-BC8-A-4-E40-9-C53-0-FB36-F2-D90-CD.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N7zn499)
Moments later, the skeletons smashed into them, hacking at limbs and thrusting into flesh at a horrifying speed. Many of the archers crumpled beneath the pressure yet somehow the few that remained were able to steady their nerves and hold the barricade. The Skeleton King leading their foe seemed to be laughing at the disheartened men opposing him as he readied himself for another assault.
(https://i.ibb.co/JKKHBZV/AFE53-E78-1-E00-44-C4-A38-B-EE6-E807-E65-D0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/drrDWZF)
Sergei, the necromancer leading Dragos’s left flank, attempted to cast spells to demoralise Alberto’s men, but Matéa’s love was too strong, turning each vile conjuration away from her followers. Alberto prayed constantly in thanks, promising her a vast cathedral if she could bring him through this battle unscathed.
(https://i.ibb.co/ww0chcM/E3629-B5-D-54-F0-47-FC-B2-B4-1-FBA1-DAFC043.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hZ7YFYD)
As Sergei brought his skeletons to the forest in order to rest and recuperate away from the Esironian guns, he was blindsided by Captain Samuel del Petrillo’s knights. Sergei could only watch in horror as each of his skeletons was cut down before him.
(https://i.ibb.co/7X5M9nb/8-CCFBB00-8-B47-41-B6-959-D-0-C108-DBA996-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wRXGvSY)
He cowered as del Petrillo’s sword came down towards him, cutting through his arm as he threw it up to protect himself before carving deep into his head. Sergei fell to the ground, lifeless.
(https://i.ibb.co/3BFk4Jd/3-F756-ECC-47-DA-4-D44-B368-D50-DCFF446-FE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r4pvFW0)
In the centre, Eliza saw the opportunity to cut the head off the snake. Dragos, stunned by the sudden felling of his closest follower, was lingering indecisively only a few feet away from her knights. Ordering them to follow her, she charged into Dragos’s bodyguard, felling many of them before hearing the horrifying screams coming from behind her.
(https://i.ibb.co/cCVB0yr/C094002-F-5961-4157-8298-B8-DF4-F6-EE590.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VQ51RLq)
Dragos was cutting down her last knight as she turned to face him, his mouth covered in the blood of her companions. He bit down on the neck of the knight in his hand, keeping eye contact with her as the blood sprayed into the air, tossing the limp corpse to the side once he had done feeding upon it. Screaming, Eliza charged once more at the vampire, swinging her sword down as hard as she could. A strong hand shot out and gripped her arm, twisting it violently before she was pulled off her horse.
(https://i.ibb.co/G2XPD2x/214-E4324-0-D89-4916-8-C86-975230-C6738-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qsz18sy)
Seeing Eliza’s body being picked up by the vampire, Alberto refused to give up. He ordered his men to charge the Bat Horrors, two of which fell immediately for relatively small losses among his brave companions. Through his tears he swung his staff of Matéa violently before him, keeping the remaining Bat Horror at bay.
(https://i.ibb.co/mCZKd7S/1-A88-A134-1295-4-A5-A-957-C-5-F734-AEF1-CE3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7JMDBFb)
Captain del Petrillo turned to his men, raising his sword in celebration. They had slain the necromancer Sergei, surely battle had now been won. A look of intense terror came across his men’s faces as a great shadow loomed behind him. Del Petrillo turned just in time to receive a furious charge from Dragos’s Vampire Knights, who had been waiting patiently for their moment to strike. He felt a lance push past his armour, through his chest, and out of his back as pain rushed through him in a blinding wave. His vision swam as he was lifted from his horse, to be immediately thrown to the ground, great gouts of blood erupting from his hideous wound. He lay there dying as he heard his men's screams.
(https://i.ibb.co/L9snxQq/73559-A91-91-E5-4783-8869-5357-FC2822-AA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XFGS7yd)
Finally, with both of their commanders slain, the archers holding the barricade were cut down. The forces of undeath poured into Sarrím, slaying all they found hiding within the town. The battle was lost.
Alberto called to his men, for they were now all his men to command, to flee. He knew he must tell general Delmorté of the loss of the town, and of the death of Eliza, his newly appointed captain. But more than that, he knew he must tell all that he met of all he had witnessed, and the horror of Dragos von Sangué.
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Nice intro, looking forward to the rest!
Like the fellows above, I enjoy your intro. Looks like your campaign is off to a great start and I am eager to see what's next.
My thoughts echo those of Little Odo. Great start, keen to see more.
Thanks for your support guys! There will be plenty more to come :)
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A tragic end but great battle report.
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great stuff.
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:o :o
Superb minatures, superb table, superb story... Thanks for sharing.
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Absolutely fabulous.
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Thank you all for your kind responses!
Here is the map of the first campaign within the Kingdom of Esiron:
(https://i.ibb.co/DDFSbDY/map.png) (https://ibb.co/N6qH36r)
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Part 2: The Retreat to Old Blindmire
Kingdom of Esiron - 1452
Alberto held back tears, as he had done ever since he fled from the fight for Sarrím. He had turned back once or twice as he made his way north, away from the town, though not since the the smoke from the burning buildings darkened the sky. It was too painful. He had also stopped giving orders, realising that the soldiers making their way on the road were essentially refugees, serving no military purpose whatsoever. Their eyes told the horrific stories of what they had seen happen to those they knew. They wouldn’t be stopping to bolster any force they came across unless they were forced to do so, and Alberto couldn’t blame them. He also couldn’t see himself forcing anyone to fight an enemy such as the one that they were fleeing from unless he was going to remain on the field, even if the battle was lost. That had been his intention at Sarrím, yet his body seemed to have taken over when his mind had failed him, turning his horse and forcing it to gallop out of the northern side of the town without a moment’s hesitation. He couldn’t rid himself of the image of Eliza’s body in the vampire’s hand. She looked so fragile in that moment, he could have sworn he saw her trembling as she looked up at the beast. Alberto carried the guilt heavily in his chest, turning with a smile every now and then only to remember that Eliza was no longer with him, knowing he would never share his sarcastic remarks with her ever again.
(https://i.ibb.co/T0ThwHv/84-D8-BF90-0985-42-B9-A7-E0-A80507-D513-EA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8xB8mjK)
Not a word was said between the ragged band travelling on the road, they just kept marching. Alberto knew that if they continued along the road, as long as they survived the journey, they would eventually get to Old Blindmire, a slightly smaller and less affluent town that Sarrím, but it would be somewhere safe to stay and rest, for now. When he saw the roofs of the buildings coming into view, it was the closest Alberto had come to smiling since the battle.
(https://i.ibb.co/TrkP5vm/C57933-F6-1884-4-EED-8-F97-901179377387.jpg) (https://ibb.co/x3DzQCJ)
Once Alberto reached the town, he saw a barricade had been built across the road. When the guard captain bluntly asked them to halt and state their business, with a hand firmly placed on the hilt of his sword, Alberto found that his usual confident voice had been replaced with a scratchy whisper, yet the man, suddenly realising that he was talking to a priest of Matéa, changed his manner entirely in an instant.
“Sorry father,” the man apologised, as though Alberto were capable of handing out a severe punishment for the minor indiscretion, “just with all the trouble we’ve been having with bandits, not to mention the Greenskins, or Beastmen. It’s been hell, honestly.” He made a gesture for his men to let Alberto’s refugees pass through the barricade, before turning back to the priest to hear his news.
“I’m afraid,” Alberto started, gratefully taking the soldier’s waterskin, before pouring the contents down his dry throat. He coughed, feeling as though his lungs were completely full of dust from the road, before repeating himself, “I’m afraid that we come with more problems for you, rather than solutions.” He wiped the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his filthy robe as the guards made way for his soldiers to enter the town. Watching them make their solemn way into the wide streets before them distressed him, remembering how they had cheered when they thought reinforcements would save them all. He could count on two hands how many had joined him on the road. How he feared for those that had lost their way, or stayed to defend the town. Poor Eliza, poor Samuel. May Matéa bless their souls, though what she could do for them now was beyond him. He would pray for them for the rest of his days, he knew that much.
The guard did not know how to act as he watched the priest’s emotional suffering playing out before him. Kindly, he placed his hand on the man’s shoulder, before leading him into the town. Do priests of Matéa drink alcohol? The guard wondered to himself, knowing that that was exactly what he would be turning to if he were in the other man’s position.
(https://i.ibb.co/qkxdw2Y/E0864-B85-8-B58-448-A-BC0-A-0-AB93-ADEE149.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hDCyvTF)
Later that day, as the sun was beginning to set, Alberto made his way up a small hill to the south of Old Blindmire and opened his book of prayers, looking out across the land toward the remains of Sarrím in the distance that were visible only due to the smoke still rising from the town. He placed some flowers that he had picked throughout the day upon the ground, tears welling up in his eyes.
“Matéa,” his shaking voice struggled as his emotions overtook him, “wrap your loving arms around those who were lost at Sarrím. Those I was so lucky to know, and whose memory I will always cherish.” He coughed, attempting unsuccessfully to recover his composure, “Spare a thought for those of our men that I never knew, who I will never know. Those too easily thought of as numbers in times of conflict, those who cheered in elation mere hours before their lives were cut short so brutally. Take Eliza into your heart, Matéa. She was the best companion I ever had. Not only that, but she was an incredible leader of men,” He took a deep breath and looked up at the sky, a sad smile upon his face, “and women.”
Alberto held back tears, as he had done ever since he fled from the fight for Sarrím. He closed his book of prayers, and watched the sun set behind the trees.
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Great work !
What bits did you use for your Vamp leader ?
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Beautiful images!
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Beautiful images!
Great work !
What bits did you use for your Vamp leader ?
Thanks guys!
The Vampire model is the plastic GW vampire lord miniature, with a head and sword hand from the fantastic blood knights set (also plastic) :)
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Part 3: The Elves March into Esiron
The Mayroot Opens
The Mayroot hissed as though filled with boiling water, the bark of the great tree splitting, revealing the blinding light within. The Elves danced as they played their jovial songs, their prayers were finally answered. Prince Aethial raised his hand to the light emitted by one of the great fissures in the bark of the Mayroot, feeling its calming magical power drawing him in. The surface of the great tree split further, blinding all of the Elves around it. A moment later, their sight coming back to them, they noticed that the prince was gone. The large cracks in the Mayroot had closed, with no sign of the bark having been split open. As evening came, the leaderless Elves set up their camps around the great tree, unsure of what was to happen to their prince. It had been many centuries since the last opening on the Mayroot, and only the eldest among them had met Olakar the Great, the last prince to enter the great tree and return alive. Olakar had led the Elves when they had marched, along with the primitive humans, against Constantine the Infinite, the malicious vampire who had harried their lands for what had seemed to be an eternity. According to the legend, Olakar had slain Constantine, but had himself fallen to a mortal wound caused by the vampire’s poisoned sword. And so the Elves waited, telling tales of the last time the Mayroot had opened, as their prince was transformed within it.
Days passed before the Mayroot opened once more, this time cut open from within by Prince Aethial’s magical sword. The violence of the prince’s exit from the Mayroot startled the Elves that gathered around the great tree, but their elation at his return overshadowed any anxiety about the changes to him, though he was certainly changed. Among the changes to the prince was the light shining from his eyes, exactly as the light shone from within the Mayroot. Also, when Aethial spoke, the Elves noticed that his voice was no longer that of a mortal being. Instead, it was as though he were whispering directly into their minds, cutting through all the noise of the mortal world. They feared him, yet they loved him, and when he mounted upon his griffon, they followed him toward the Goddess’ Touch Mountains.
(https://i.ibb.co/QbWLLMJ/E816-E172-C867-4120-BBD1-94-E36-D7-DE3-CB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Pm2KKgr)
After two days of marching, Prince Aethial rode his griffon onto a hill and looked out along the grassland before him. He spoke to his warriors.
“My people,” he started, ”the time has come”
The Elves all looked around, and saw no hint of an enemy army nearby. When one of his sergeants went to ask him what he saw, the prince turned to him and said, as though he had read his mind, ”prepare for battle, they come now.”
It was at this moment that a host of undead appeared upon the horizon. The Elves began to prepare their weapons, readying themselves to fight.
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The Battle
Dimitri shuffled his feet nervously, knotting his hands as he awaited instruction.
(https://i.ibb.co/h7VVRyS/515-DF1-C4-3-EDF-4-EA0-A9-E4-7-B6-B5745-D24-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r7HHGmV)
The vampires before him were enjoying his torment, they always did. Smirking, his master looked at his companion, then back to the anxious mortal who stood before them.
“We march now,” the unnatural voice of Valsomir von Sangué stated as he rested his hands upon his great mace, the fearsome weapon even taller than the gargantuan vampire. The voice itself was unsettling enough to Dimitri, a twisted reflection of a human voice, in the same way an image is distorted upon the surface of a lake in heavy rainfall.
“Now master?” Dimitri replied nervously, attempting to remember all of the spells he would require to assist in the command of his lord’s host of walking cadavers. It would be his first battle, yet he was not as naive as many are about the horrors of battle.
“You question a vampire’s order, mortal?” Inquired Nikolai, the vampire lord’s first among companions, his fangs bared in a smug grin as his calm line of inquiry invited the necromancer to grovel to his vampiric overlords.
“No! No, of course not,” Dimitri hurried.
“Then we march now.” Nikolai shrugged, wondering what the mortal’s problem was. Ever since he had killed Dimitri’s master and dragged the apprentice wizard into Valsomir’s court to become a necromancer, he had felt a slight worry at the careful temperament of the mortal. Perhaps this was why he had not been adopted into the von Sangué family, his sole aim and reason for all of his loyalty to Valsomir. Now, decades later, Dimitri - and Nikolai, by extension - was still yet to prove himself useful to Valsomir von Sangué. Without Dimitri’s success on the field today, Nikolai could kiss his hopes of being taken in by the von Sangués goodbye. He would be a lone vampire forever, roaming the mortal world at night, shrinking into the shadows in fear when the living gathered to hunt him. No, he was determined for that not to be his fate. The vampires watched apathetically as Dimitri prepared the necessary spells, darkening the skies above them further to extend the vampires’ abilities, while raising any recently dead nearby to bolster the ranks of skeletons under their command.
(https://i.ibb.co/w6yJvvf/8-E53173-D-4-F63-4398-8-A31-AFB51-A39-BE36.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NYx144M)
The Elves shivered as the sky darkened, the howling wind rushing through the trees threatening to deafen them as they stood bravely in ranks. Just as the noise was becoming completely unbearable, it stopped. The sudden complete silence was enough to drive the weak-willed to insanity, yet the warriors under Prince Aethial stood their ground resiliently, grateful that the winds that would have impeded their arrows had died down.
(https://i.ibb.co/QHGTKL9/956-D4-DDE-F689-44-C0-9809-F6-AFBEA68757.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GMj85y7)
As the undead shambled toward their ranks, Aethial gave the order to loose. The Shadow Sisters reacted immediately, a great volley arcing in the air to rain down upon the Vampire Knights on the enemy’s right flank, the horrific screams of the fallen vampires filling the ears of the Elves.
(https://i.ibb.co/TrwSLp9/369-D93-B3-2-C3-D-4-D75-99-D9-D930-B57-C1910.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XVWg8Nc)
This impetuous behaviour was not to go unpunished. The now-crazed Vampire Knights desperately drove their steeds to charge Aethial himself, who was caught unawares as they crashed into him. While the prince’s unshakable nerve held, his griffon writhed beneath him, impossible to control. Suddenly, it took flight, Aethial unable to prevent it from fleeing the field. Seeing their prince fly away upon his griffon disheartened many of the Elves, even though he had slain all but one of the Vampire Knights who had dared to face him. His warriors could feel the dreadful impossibility of their task.
“You must hold, my people. Show no fear,” whispered the voice of Aethial into the minds of his warriors.
With that, the Elves were left without their prince. A tragic turn of events at any time, yet for such to occur in the opening stages of a battle was demoralising in the extreme. That being said, the Elves fought on.
(https://i.ibb.co/Y3pJwSt/E68-EAF5-F-6151-4027-B2-DC-3052230-B4988.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wRM8jqK)
First to spring into action were the Shadow Sisters, rushing away from the sole remaining Vampire Knight as they loosed a hail of magical arrows upon him. His shriek as the arrows hit home could be heard across the battlefield, his death granting the Elves a slight boost to their morale. One threat down, many to go.
(https://i.ibb.co/PrJqZgZ/E4-F799-C7-2-BB5-4-E34-A835-BFAAAD4-AF7-A9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0n1Hjrj)
(https://i.ibb.co/6X4Ps0f/D9942-C21-DDBE-4109-B995-E335-FCFE9-E29.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kmh8c2W)
On the other flank, the Elven captain prepared to rush down the field, sweeping away the skeleton warriors, though it was not to be. With a spiteful grin, the vampire Nikolai merely pointed at the Elf, stopping his heart. The Elf curled over his mount and clutched at his chest, his eyes bulging as he struggled for breath. He fell as the skeletons under the vampire’s command crashed into one of the units of spear-armed warriors holding the centre of the Elven line, causing many casualties.
(https://i.ibb.co/zZPHvSc/1-E1-A9028-FB74-4910-BB87-EB1-A7-DDBA519.jpg) (https://ibb.co/w4prmKH)
(https://i.ibb.co/FJ53yQL/2-D7-F69-C2-497-A-42-D3-B229-9-CF135-CEC1-CA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sQKRNTd)
Incredibly, the brave Elves held in the face of this onslaught, pushing the undead warriors back.
(https://i.ibb.co/zxXxR2F/18-F07-E33-72-E4-4-BCC-8100-54-C410790-B3-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Sytynmc)
The other unit of Elven warriors rushed to attack Valsomir’s guard, hoping to turn the tide of the battle in their favour. Their spears clattered against the armour of the undead, causing only a single Skeleton Guard to fall. When Valsomir swung his great-mace, however, the Elves were slaughtered in a shower of blood. The survivors dropped their weapons and fled the field, praying that the Vampire wouldn’t chase them down. Licking the sweet Elven blood off his mace, Valsomir prepared to march on the remaining Elves.
(https://i.ibb.co/MZWYRTM/07-FECAC7-F08-C-4-E52-846-E-3-F33-E72-FB874.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TYpVHXm)
The Shadow Sisters once again proved their abilities as they sent a crashing volley into Valsomir’s guard, felling more than half of them in the storm of magical arrows.
(https://i.ibb.co/0myQ3Y2/13-D01-BB2-219-A-47-A7-93-D5-E8538-AE5-ED86.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xXq3QzL)
Adding to the onslaught, the remaining Elven warriors charged into the vampire’s unit, hoping to end his hideous un-life. However, before they could reach him with their spears, he felled them all with a swing of his mace, cackling maniacally as he did so.
(https://i.ibb.co/VJnwXr5/636328-F5-2784-4-AF6-AC53-D85-F42631017.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BcWn8dF)
The chances of Elven success lay solely in the hands of the Shadow Sisters, who unleashed a final volley into Valsomir’s unit, slaying them all and causing a great many magical wounds to the vampire. He reeled and howled, shrinking back into the shadows of the forest to escape further torment at the hands of the elite Elven archers.
(https://i.ibb.co/0hB97xP/4592-BF6-A-5685-4-C63-AF13-86-A17-D10448-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/18sXgkH)
Nikolai, seeing this happen, channeled all of his fury into one brutal charge, carving the Shadow Sisters into unrecognisable chunks as he slashed his way through the entire unit in a wild bloodlust, leaving only a small detachment of Elven archers on the battlefield.
(https://i.ibb.co/DfHV2r0/0775-B053-B250-4-F83-9-CCC-E6-AD37878591.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b5MW9bc)
The remaining Elves rushed toward the barn, hoping that they had not been spotted by Nikolai and so could hide inside while the enemy moved on. When they saw the necromancer Dimitri making his way toward them, they drew back their bows ready to unleash their arrows upon him, confident in their ability to fell the man when suddenly a noxious gas rose from the ground beneath their feet. Dimitri thanked the gods of darkness for hearing his prayers, the spell had worked! The Elves sank to their knees, clawing at their throats as they died slowly before him. He smiled to himself as he watched their agony, now my master will see my potential he thought. Interestingly, Nikolai was having identical thoughts about his own prowess on the field. He entered the forest to seek out his master, hoping that he had done enough to warrant his entry into the von Sangué family.
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Lovely figures and a great battle report. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, these reports are great, and the miniatures and tables are fantastic. Please keep them coming.
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Superb stuff! :-*
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Yes, these reports are great, and the miniatures and tables are fantastic. Please keep them coming.
Superb stuff! :-*
Lovely figures and a great battle report. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks guys! (lots) More to come!! :)
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Part 4: The Journey North
Alberto rode his horse along the streets of Old Blindmire, allowing the sights and smells to distract him from the terrifying reality of the Vampiric invasion into the Kingdom of Esiron. He stooped to talk with a guard for a moment, a small gesture to imitate normalcy in such troubled times. It was a beautiful day and Alberto was determined to enjoy it, no matter how much responsibility now rested on his shoulders, his alone.
(https://i.ibb.co/LrkzQ0k/7-FF1-B533-2316-4804-BA17-B1151-C1-C71-FB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QkbF8Jb)
“We’ve heard news of some raids, father,” the guard seemed rather calm, causing Alberto to assume that raids had become a regular occurrence. Even so, the priest’s heart sank.
“More of the dead rising to attack us?” He asked
“No, no,” the guard replied reassuringly, “just men this time, they attack the baggage trains and travelling nobles,” he scratched his head, “makes me wonder how you managed to get here from Sarrím in once piece, being honest.”
“Must have been the men I brought with me,” Alberto had never considered how truly vulnerable he had been even after he had escaped from the disastrous battle’s conclusion. He scratched the stubble on the side of his face, imagining the horror of being attacked by bandits while totally undefended. “Say,” he started, suddenly snapping out of his dark thoughts, “is anyone leaving north of here? I’d rather not travel alone if it’s so dangerous about, though I’m far from useless in a fight.” The guard smiled, obviously not taking the priest’s combat skills seriously, though Alberto was happy to play the fool if it could get him travelling north sooner rather than later.
“I’ve heard Lady Amelia Vincenzo is heading to Briarmoor Castle, if that’s any help,” the guard shrugged, though he couldn’t help feeling envious of anyone travelling north away from the vampire Dragos von Sangué and his hordes of undead slaves, “I could take you to see her guards now, it’s no bother.”
“If you’d be so kind, I could do with the company, perhaps there would be a place for you to join us.” Alberto could sense the guard hoping to leave Old Blindmire, as any sane person would under the circumstances.
“I’d happily join you,” the guard felt reality hit him suddenly, crushing his hopes, “though I’m probably needed here more.”
“We can but hope.” Alberto smiled at the guard, patting him on the shoulder before moving to let him pass. The priest followed the guard toward their best chance of leaving Old Blindmire alive.
(https://i.ibb.co/BLBG67F/63863963-7-BCE-4-F73-816-F-A426054-E0378.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6YF8tpL)
Alberto smiled as brightly as he could when he set his eyes upon Lady Amelia Vincenzo.
“Ah the beauty of the north,” His cheery demeanour hid his dread at the prospect of being left behind, “what an honour it is to see your ladyship once more,” he lied through his teeth, smiling.
“Oh good, a priest of Matéa is joining us is he?” Lady Amelia asked the captain of her guard, obviously disgruntled at the size of her ever-growing party, “At this rate the entire town of Old Blindmire will be marching with us to Briarmoor Castle.” Her guard said nothing as he smiled smugly, looking down his nose at Alberto.
(https://i.ibb.co/nL9CQLY/FE4-B2-AA2-4575-4756-98-B4-B0-A57-A0-ECB85.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S3brV3M)
“I need to get word to General Delmorté of the attack at Sarrím,” Alberto interjected desperately, “I promised him I would report back to him no matter the outcome.”
“We could take a written report with us,” Lady Amelia smiled wickedly, “I’d be happy to save you the journey, perhaps the people of Old Blindmire could find some use for you here.” Alberto guessed she was toying with him as a cat does a mouse, but the doubt over his safety left him feeling as though his stomach had been tied into a tight knot. Just as he was about to make the case for his joining them, Lady Amelia’s smile left her face in an instant, “Alright priest,” she almost spat the word, “you may join us, but you must provide your own guards. Meet us here tomorrow at sunrise, you ride at the back with the supplies.” She turned and left before Alberto could respond, signalling to her men to follow her. The dust kicked up by her horse was not the only cause of the tears welling up in Alberto’s eyes. I’m saved! he thought to himself, smiling as he patted the shoulder of the guard he had brought with him, who seemed equally elated.
(https://i.ibb.co/kMW0h54/3545059-E-432-B-4-B13-BE16-92-E0-B3-E07-D60.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BwSjgcy)
“That’s us marching north then, father,” the guard smiled up at the priest who, for all intents and purposes, had just saved his life.
“Indeed it is,” Alberto beamed, “Matéa be praised, she really does work wonders.” He looked up at the blue sky above, taking a deep breath before turning his attention back to the guard. “What’s your name, man?”
“The name’s Enrik, father,” the guard replied, offering his hand to the priest.
“Alberto,” Alberto replied, “and that’s what you can call me from now on.”
(https://i.ibb.co/3YzzN6R/41189-CC2-DEA8-4727-94-C9-2858-F70-EF640.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jZRRM0J)
That night, Alberto and Enrik met outside the tavern at the northern end of Old Blindmire, their bags packed and supplies gathered. Enrik had gathered several of his closest and most trusted friends for the journey and Alberto had agreed to pay each of them well for their services, knowing full well that they were saving their own skin in joining him.
“Well men, drink well, but rest better,” the priest advised before leaving them to their last night in Old Blindmire, heading for his bed. Tomorrow would be the start of an arduous march north, and who among them could predict what would befall them along the way?
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I can't wait for the next part! :)